Arkansas State Police are investigating the death of a person held at the Sharp County Detention Center, the county sheriff’s office said Wednesday.
The person died Tuesday while in custody at the detention center in Ash Flat. The sheriff’s office did not release the person’s name or other identifying information.
Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell said his office contacted the state police agency after learning of the death. The referral followed the department’s stated protocol for deaths and other serious incidents involving people held at the county facility.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation.”
— Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell
Independent investigation
Russell said the state police investigation is intended to provide an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the death. The sheriff’s office is not conducting the primary inquiry.
State police spokeswoman Cindy Murphy confirmed that the agency was investigating. The agency is expected to release additional information when its investigation is complete.
Russell said the sheriff’s office would limit public comments while investigators work to preserve the integrity of the inquiry. The circumstances of the death, including its cause and manner, have not been publicly described.
- Location: Sharp County Detention Center in Ash Flat
- Death: Tuesday, while the person was in custody
- Investigating agency: Arkansas State Police
The person’s death is under investigation, and no criminal charge or finding of wrongdoing has been announced. A person or agency connected to an investigation is presumed innocent unless a court determines otherwise.
